Southern Border Crisis: Texas City Overwhelmed as Migrant Numbers Skyrocket

Thousands of migrants, including a large number from Venezuela, crossed into the small city of Eagle Pass, Texas, overwhelming local resources and prompting the mayor to declare a state of emergency. The surge in crossings along the southern border has strained local governments in California, Arizona, and Texas, as large numbers of people claiming asylum have been released directly into border communities. Governor Greg Abbott blamed the federal government for the influx, while federal officials deployed additional military personnel to help process the arrivals. The Biden administration extended temporary protective status for Venezuelan asylum seekers and increased holding capacity on the border. The spike in illegal crossings is attributed to continued instability in countries like Venezuela.